Federal Aviation Administration...

TAKEOFF ALLOWED. A

March 13, 1990

MINNEAPOLIS — TAKEOFF ALLOWED. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector allowed a Northwest Airlines jet to take off despite allegations that the cockpit crew had been drinking, an FAA official said. Three crew members on the flight from Fargo, N.D., to Minneapolis were arrested upon landing when blood tests showed excessive alcohol levels. Their licenses were revoked. An anonymous tipster said the cockpit crew had been drinking at least three hours before the Boeing 727 with 91 passengers left Fargo. The FAA said the anonymous tip did not constitute evidence, and that the inspector also did not have authority under North Dakota law to stop the plane.